News

'Near me' is top mobile shopper search

September 3, 2018

A good majority, 82 percent, of mobile shoppers are doing "near me" searches, and 60 percent of mobile consumers are clicking on the first search result that appears.

And nearly as many consumer, 69 percent, are using smartphones to help them while shopping — research, price comparison, coupon and deals, store hour information and nearby retail locations are top uses, according to the first "Near Me Shopping Report," commissioned by Uberall.

The study polled 1,000 smartphone users in the U.S. in the last week of July. A press release on the findings also noted mobile "near me" searches have increased by 200 percent, according to Google data.

"Smartphones have become the go-to research companion for consumers," said Josha Benner, CRO and co-founder of Uberall, in the release. "For all the talk of mobile displacing brick-and-mortar shopping, our data finds that these devices are hugely supportive of in-store foot traffic. Checking hours and finding nearby locations were two of the most popular use cases from respondents."

When it comes to what mobile shoppers are looking for with "near me" searches, the top five are entertainment, banking, apparel and personal care.

"The restaurant and quick-service industry sees a lot of 'near me' searches," added Benner. "This makes sense given how proximity-based eating is as a behavior. It will likely always hold the top spot."